Sat, Jun 13, 2026
Connecticut Open House Day
Join us for an exciting statewide celebration that shines a spotlight on the incredible experiences waiting right here in Connecticut! Connecticut Open House Day, now in its 22nd year, is an annual event held on the second Saturday of June.
This special event is designed to inspire residents to rediscover everything in their own backyard—and to share those discoveries with friends, family, and visitors.
We’re thrilled to announce that the Garde will be open as part of the festivities, welcoming guests to explore and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Below is a list of activities you won’t want to miss—come be part of the experience, see what makes Connecticut so special, and help spread the word!
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Garde Box Office and Lobbies OPEN
12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – FREE
Garde Tours (approx 45 mins each)
Location: Main Lobby
A tour of the Garde Arts Center offers visitors a chance to explore one of New London’s most iconic cultural landmarks. During the tour, guests can learn about the theater’s rich history dating back to 1926, admire its beautifully restored interior with grand architectural details, and see behind-the-scenes areas. Knowledgeable guides share stories about past performances, renovations, and the role the Garde plays in the local arts community, making the experience both educational and engaging for anyone interested in history, theater, or the arts.
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm – FREE
On Exhibit at the Garde
Location: Main Lobby
Unseen Stories is an exhibition that explores how photography can foster empathy and connection. Developed through workshops led by AtelierMOCA with Artreach participants in September 2025, it introduces the Empathic Gaze™, inviting both photographers and viewers to approach images with care, respect, and deeper awareness. The work on view highlights photography’s power to reveal unseen experiences and shift perspectives.
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm – FREE
Ghost Light Quest
Location: Main Lobby
YOU control the action with giant arcade-style buttons, guiding a live-action hero through a thrilling choose-your-own-adventure story on massive screens. Race through the theatre, make game-changing choices, and help save the show before time runs out! Inspired by classic video games, this one-of-a-kind experience combines retro animation, live actors, dancers, and parkour for nonstop fun the whole family will love.
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm – FREE
Radio Mitchell
Location: Main Lobby
Radio Mitchell—Mitchell College’s student-run online station since 2011. Featuring music, talk shows, and sports, it’s a top-ranked college station you can listen anytime online at RadioMitchellOnline.com.
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – FREE
ECSO Petting Zoo
Location: Main Lobby
Ever wondered what it feels like to hold a violin, pluck a cello string, or press the keys of a clarinet? Now’s your chance! The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra’s Instrument Petting Zoo gives curious minds of all ages the opportunity to get up close and personal with the instruments of the orchestra. Under the guidance of friendly ECSO musicians and staff, you can touch, explore, and even try playing a variety of instruments. Whether you’re a first-time listener or a lifelong music lover, this hands-on experience is the perfect way to discover the magic behind the music. Come meet the instruments that bring our stage to life!
2:00 pm – FREE
“Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN” (65min)
Location: Main Theater
on our giant screen of the historic Garde Movie Palace, presented with 4K digital projection, 8-channel surround sound.
The documentary film tells the remarkable story behind the creation of the network that would transform sports media, following Bill Rasmussen, his son Scott Rasmussen, and their early partners as they set out to build a cable television network dedicated entirely to sports — an idea widely viewed as improbable at the time.
3:30 pm – FREE
“When Last Seen” (12min)
Location: Main Theater
Filmed in New London, “When Last Seen” is an updating of the Demeter and Persephone myth, focuses on a woman gone missing who uses the official wording of a Missing Persons form to call attention to the multitudes like herself. The root cellar, where Persephone is held captive, holds much more than herbs and jars of preserves. Subverting horror film and police procedural tropes, WHEN LAST SEEN becomes a search party for those taken from the earth. MORE DETAILS